With Arsenal not in action again until April, Unai Emery had a rare opportunity to take in his former side - and potential Europa League opponent - Valencia in the flesh.

The Arsenal head coach was spotted in the Mestalla as Valencia took on Getafe in La Liga, returning to the city where he enjoyed plenty of success as manager between 2008 and 2012.

Emery's former side were held to a 0-0 draw by La Liga surprise package Getafe, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot and sit six points ahead of Valencia with 10 games of the season remaining.

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Should they get past Napoli in the Europa League quarter-finals, Arsenal would face either Valencia or Villarreal in the semi-final, meaning there was plenty of footballing justification for Emery's return to eastern Spain.

However it is also believed that the Gunners boss was keeping a close eye on at least one of Valencia's opponents, namely Getafe centre-back Djene Dakonam.

The 27-year-old Togo international has long been linked with a move away from Getafe, with Barcelona among the clubs said to be tracking Djene, whose release clause is set at £30million.

Djene is noted to be an exceptional passer of the ball and as a former full-back shows great composure in possession, a prerequisite for playing in Emery's backline.

Arsenal are expected to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer, with Shkodran Mustafi and potentially Calum Chambers, currently on loan at Fulham, to be made available so as to swell Emery's transfer coffers.

The Gunners have also been monitoring Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani and were linked with Fernando Calero of Real Valladolid.